Justice News

Cambria County Man Pleads Guilty To Conspriacy And Firearms Violations

Prosecution is Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Ebensburg, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

David Eugene Lamer, 47, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from June 9, 2007, to April 15, 2008, Lamer conspired with others to defraud the United States by concealing money from the Internal Revenue Service in an effort to avoid paying income taxes. Also, on Sept. 2, 2010, Lamer possessed a FIE, Model Standard .38 caliber pistol, and on Sept. 3, 2010, Lamer possessed a Remington, Model 760, .30-06 caliber rifle, a Marlin, Model 1894, .357 caliber rifle, and a Savage/Stevens (Western Field) Model 30, 16 gauge shotgun. On Jan. 8, 1986, Lamer was convicted in Cambria Co., Pa., of burglary, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Aug. 9, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lamer.

According to Mr. Hickton, this case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement, agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.